News Release Archive

Lower American River Flows to be Decreased to Install the Fish Diversion Structure at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, 09/03/2009 16:35

For Release: September 03, 2009

At approximately 5 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2009, the Bureau of Reclamation will begin to decrease flows in the Lower American River below Nimbus Dam to accommodate the annual installation of the fish diversion structure at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery.  The structure prevents salmon from bypassing the fish ladder entrance and guides them into the Nimbus Fish Hatchery for spawning.

In coordination with the structure installation, by about 8 a.m. flows will be reduced from 2,500 to 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) to allow for removal of a kayak that is stuck on one of the diversion structure piers.  It is expected that removal of the kayak will be completed between 8:30-9:30 a.m., at which time flows will begin to be raised to 1,500 cfs for the duration of the structure installation. 

Installation is expected to be completed by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2009, and Reclamation will begin increasing flows to 2,000 cfs.  Recreationists on or along the Lower American River are advised to exercise caution due to both the fluctuating flow conditions and cold river temperatures.

For additional information, please contact Mr. David Robinson at Reclamation's Central California Area Office at 916-989-7179, TDD 916-989-7285, or e-mail drobinson@usbr.gov.

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